Researchers explain the differences between groves, forests, and jungles. Each has unique characteristics that distinguish them from one another.

Deforestation is an escalating issue on Earth, but providing the legal protection that trees deserve is challenging if we cannot define them. Most people on the planet may not see a significant difference between a grove, a forest, or jungles, except that it’s warmer and more humid in jungles. However, scientists believe this is not entirely accurate, as noted by IFLScience.

In reality, there are distinctions between a grove, a forest, and jungles, and it is not merely a matter of semantics. The definitions of these plant communities vary slightly depending on our location, but scientists explain that from a scientific perspective, there is a clear classification.

What is a grove?

According to researchers, the definition of a tree community boils down to canopy cover, as defined by the U.S. National Vegetation Classification System. If 25% to 60% of the land is covered by trees, we are likely dealing with a grove; if it’s less than 25%, it is known as a wooded savanna.

While it may be difficult to define the size of these plantings, it is worth noting that groves are generally smaller than forests.

What is a forest?

If we have 60-100% canopy cover, we are likely looking at a forest. Therefore, these habitats are larger and more densely populated compared to groves.

Researchers note that all of the forests on Earth can be categorized into four main types:

• boreal;
• tropical;
• subtropical;
• temperate.

Boreal forests are typically found in the coldest regions of the Earth and are home to animals like caribou and reindeer. Tropical forests rarely see temperatures drop below 18.3°C and host a diverse array of plants and animals. Subtropical forests are also warm but experience cold periods, essentially acting as an intermediate link between tropical forests and temperate forests, providing refuge for migratory species.

Temperate forests may be the most variable: they change with the seasons, as some trees lose their leaves while others remain evergreen.

What are jungles?

Jungles share the same heat as tropical and subtropical forests, but they have a distinguishing feature — dense undergrowth and ground vegetation. They thrive because they lack the same canopy cover that prevents sunlight from reaching lower-lying species, allowing all to bask in the sun and consequently flourish.

Researchers point out that navigating through tropical and subtropical forests is comparatively easier for humans, as the lack of light means the forest floor is relatively clear and easy to traverse.